Many people are finding great values in renting hoses these days....however as a renter you need to do your homework and not get taken advantage of. Even the most "aware"people can be taken for a ride. I don't want to see that happen and would like to get the word out!
The first step in protecting yourself is to contact a licensed Realtor in your area. It will not cost you (the renter) anything to use a professional - that cost is covered by the home owner. A Realtor that takes a listing for a rental is going to do their job and make certain that the person renting their home is actually the home owner. Unfortunately, with so many homes being left vacant due to foreclosure there are people taking advantage. They will break into these homes, change the locks, and then advertise them as being available for rent and "act" as a property management company. As a renter you would not know otherwise and can then be evicted by the rightful owners / bank, etc..
If you do answer an ad that is not through a legitimate Realtor (which you can verify with each State - most on-line) please take the time to verify everything that is on the contract you are signing. Make sure the person you are dealing with is the owner of the property or that they are legally representing the owner. If they are legitimate they should not have a problem with you contacting the owners. The owners of record can always be found on the local property appraiser's / records website. Make sure that is the owner listed on any contract you are signing.
Just do your homework....take your time...and if you don't feel 100% comfortable, look into it a little further or walk away :) As always feel free to call our office with ANY of your real estate needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment